The Red Disa orchid – Disa uniflora is the symbol of the Western Cape and, famously, its rugby team. There are 144 species of disa orchids in Southern Africa. They are mainly associated with Table Mountain, but occur as far east as Hermanus. Harold Porter National Botanical Garden in Betty’s Bay has some lovely specimens flowering around January. Disa uniflora grows in damp areas near rivers, and especially next to waterfalls. This flower has only one pollinator, the Pride of Table Mountain butterfly, which favours red flowers.
